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Intelligent traffic signs provider, Swarco Traffic Ltd, is saying good riddance to whiteboards and complex Excel spreadsheets...

The company is implementing SC5.1, the latest iteration of Tesseract’s service management software, in a bid to revolutionise its asset and field service management and boost efficiency.

Swarco is responsible for keeping drivers informed and traffic moving, by way of smart parking guidance signs, directional signs, speed warning signs and smart motorway information boards. Swarco’s tailor-made traffic management solutions are used by city centres and motorways nationwide, including major shopping centres like Westfield in London and the Trafford Centre in Manchester.

With more than ten thousand signs across the UK, Swarco relies on a hardworking team of engineers to maintain the signs and remedy faults. At present, Swarco has dedicated staff using whiteboards and an Excel planner to manage its engineers’ schedules and ensure that sign maintenance and repairs are carried out efficiently and on time. However, the process is manual and time-consuming.

 

The other problem is that Swarco does not always have access to GPS coordinates for each sign, which leads to difficulties directing engineers to the exact location of the equipment.

“Tesseract is going to give us automation, immediacy and visibility,” says Berony Abraham, Operations Director for Swarco. “The new system will automatically allocate work according to skill set and location, direct engineers to exactly the right place using GPS, and let our customers log in and report faults. Several of our largest clients have already expressed interest in this.”

Swarco looked at a variety of different solutions before selecting Tesseract. “We went with Tesseract because it’s UK-based, really simple and easy to use, and the staff are so helpful,” says Berony. “It’s also more or less off-the-shelf. In other words, you can use it straight away without having to spend ages customising it.”

 

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Evatic AS, a leading software vendor within Service Management, have acquired Cranbox Ltd in the UK, the owner of the Tesseract service management software product trading under the name Tesseract.

Together Evatic and Tesseract will complement each other’s product portfolio and strengthen the product offering within the service management field in the market. Tesseract has its main office in High Wycombe just outside London and an office in Reston, Virginia in the US.

“We are extremely happy to add Tesseract to our product family” says Pål M. Rødseth, CEO of Evatic. “We have known Colin and his team for years and we believe that the two organisations will complement each other both when it comes to products, industries and geographies. The Tesseract solution with a cloud based platform will make a great addition to the Evatic software suit.”

 

“I believe that Tesseract are in the best hands going forward”, says Colin Brown, founder and CEO of Tesseract. “With more than 150 customers in a wide range of industries, there is very little overlap with Evatic both when it comes to customer industries and geographies, and I am confident that the product and the customers will continue to thrive under the Evatic ownership”.

Evatic is a leading European service management software company with the head office in Trondheim, Norway and offices in Sweden, Germany, France, Poland and Singapore.

With a global reach and more than 300 customers in 30+ countries Evatic offers a broad product suit for companies that need to make their services profitable. Evatic is a private company owned by the founders and Viking Venture.

 

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New findings from Juniper Research reveal that the automotive head-up display market will exceed 16 million installed units by the end of 2021, with the market anticipated to expand fourfold during the forecast period 2016-2021. 

The new research, Automotive HUDs: Innovations, Strategies & Leaders 2016-2021, found that the market will be driven by increased adoption in mass-market vehicles, with growth boosted by aftermarket HUD sales.

Juniper believes that the market will begin to accelerate in 2017 as more OEMs integrate HUDs into their medium segment cars and predicts that around 1 in 8 new vehicles will come with an OEM-fitted HUD by 2021.

AR-HUDs Promise to Transform the Market

AR (Augmented Reality) is the most exciting advance in HUD innovation with navigation and ADAS safety warnings being the biggest opportunities. The availability of sophisticated AR content could be a game changer leading to an upswing in HUD installations if drivers perceive value to the technology.

However, cost and technical challenges remain which, coupled with production delays, mean that AR-HUDs will account for less than 6% of the OEM HUD market by 2021.

Prioritising Information Critical to Safe HUD Design 

As more content is added, there is a danger of information overload for the driver, particularly in the case of smartphone-based aftermarket HUDs, where vendors seem keen to add infotainment-type content in a bid to make their products look as appealing as possible to potential customers.

“At present, there is a legal void with respect to what type of content should or should not be displayed on HUDs”,said research author Gareth Owen. “The NHTSA is currently studying HUD displays and plans to issue guidelines soon which could hit aftermarket HUD sales in the coming years.”

Other key findings include:

• Growth in the automotive HUD market could be impacted by AR glasses, which could reduce demand for HUDs, particularly in lower cost vehicles.
• Juniper anticipates that AR-HUDs could replace the centre-dash stack in the long term.

The report forms part of Juniper’s ongoing analysis of Connected Cars & Telematics. A complimentary whitepaper, ‘Head-up Displays ~ The Road Ahead’, is available to download from the Juniper website together with further details of the full research.

 

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Arden Wood Shavings, an animal beddings specialist, has renewed its fleet compliance and security systems contract with TruTac and sees improved vehicle safety ahead as TruChecks, the mobile driver inspection app, is added to the suite.

Arden has over 30 years’ experience of supplying wood shavings and sawdust bedding for a wide range of applications, including the poultry and equestrian sectors, dairy farming and for miscellaneous industrial businesses. Today, the company is one of the largest suppliers of its kind in the UK.

“With such an extensive product range and customers throughout the country,” explains Transport Manager Lee Parker, “our vehicle fleet is relied upon to deliver on-time while remaining efficient, safe and 100% compliant. To this end, TruTac’s unique software systems work in unison to enable close management and control of our transport assets and personnel.”

Available on Android, Apple and Windows operating systems, the app features a configurable check list which is easily used by the driver

Accordingly, TruChecks allows drivers to complete daily vehicle inspections quickly, accurately and without the need for manual form-filling. Available on Android, Apple and Windows operating systems, the app features a configurable check list which is easily used by the driver and automatically emailed to the office for data storage or remedial action if required.

 

“Thereafter,” adds Lee, “the checklists can be easily referenced for workshop maintenance and inspections at a later date. Really, it couldn’t be simpler.”

TruChecks also features enhanced graphics with easy-to-manage functions and the device captures all of the information required by VOSA inspectors.

Arden also use TruTac’s TruControl and TruTime systems. These provide automated digital tachograph analysis and fail-safe clocking of all drivers and employees. Data and reports for attendance and drivers’ hours are all web-based, and can be accessed via any internet connected device. All TruTac systems have user defined security access with encrypted passwords, automated reports and seamless integration to reduce administration.

“Basically,” concludes Lee, “the TruTac package allows us to keep tabs on each one of our 20 drivers and vehicles without the need to push paper and with very little margin for human error. As a former driver myself, I know what it used to be like. Now we can cover hours, analyse tacho information, debrief drivers and monitor infringements at the click of a button. That saves time, keeps us legal and above all, keeps our delivery fleet on the move!”

 

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Advantech, a global leader in embedded computing and IoT technology announce the launch of its new WISE-PaaS/RMM version 3.1, an IoT device management software platform...

 

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WISE-PaaS/RMM 3.1 is an open standardised IoT software platform for users by applying MQTT, a standard and popular IoT M2M protocol for device and server communication.

WISE-PaaS/RMM 3.1 comes with more than 100 RESTful APIs including, account management, device management, device control, event management, system management, and database management. RESTful APIs create new web services and help integrate functions and data with their management tools.

Furthermore, WISE-PaaS/RMM 3.1 will release WISE-Agent source code as open source. WISE-Agent software works on the device side, helping customers to develop their own applications. WISE-PaaS/RMM highly enhances connectivity for hardware, software, devices and sensors, and helps customers to transform their business to include IoT cloud services.

It has been widely discussed amongst specialists within field service technology that the perhaps the only key barrier to mass adoption of IoT in a field service and maintenance context is the current lack of standardised platforms, and it is hoped that other significant players within the IoT arena will follow Advantech's lead in adopting open architecture to allow for easy app development.

 

Other features highlighted by Advantech in this announcement were as follows:

Centralised Management for Big Data Visualization

Based on WISE-PaaS/RMM 3.0 for remote device monitoring and management, version 3.1 offers centralised management and a dashboard builder for data visualization. Customers can develop dashboards to monitor and manage all their connected devices. WISE-PaaS/RMM 3.1 is also integrated with Node-Red which is a “drag and drop” logic editor tool for users to access data and features in WISE-PaaS/RMM 3.1 for device flow and action control management.

High Availability for Large Scalability

To provide a stable and reliable centralised management platform, WISE-PaaS/RMM 3.1 includes server redundancy whereby devices can have direct connection, with the security of a back-up server if the main server loses connection. This is designed to make sure data and services auto-sync between the main server and the back-up server. WISE-PaaS/RMM 3.1 also provides a hierarchical server, which supports the main server and sub-server structure at the same time. Users can use the sub-server for local device management and use the main server to collect data from local servers in order to disperse the load on the main server.

Sensor/Device Connectivity for Data Acquisition

To connect devices and consolidate data acquisition, WISE-PaaS/RMM 3.1 provides a handler structure in WISE-Agent for users to extend data acquisition capability to connected devices. Customers can develop routines based on sample code Advantech provides to create handlers for their own devices and application scenarios. Advantech provides two data bases (MongoDB and PostgreDB), SQL and no-SQL, for data storage and easy management.

WISE-PaaS/RMM 3.1, Open Standardization in IoT Software Platform

With WISE-PaaS/RMM 3.1, customers can collect data from devices, equipment, sensors and software, shorten development time and reduce development resources. It helps customers develop new IoT application models and it also integrates with Advantech’s IoT Gateway Starter Kit, a ready-to-run package with pre-configured hardware, platform services (WISE-PaaS) and Microsoft’s Azure service certification.

WISE-PaaS/RMM 3.1 helps Advantech partners to develop innovative IoT services and transform with new IoT business models. Advantech works with Microsoft Marketplace so that customers can launch their solution and transform their business from solution selling to service selling.

 

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According to a new research report from the M2M/IoT analyst firm Berg Insight, the installed base of wireless IoT devices in industrial automation reached 14.3 million in 2015.

The number of wireless IoT devices in automation networks will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.7 percent to reach 62.0 million by 2021.

There is a wide range of wireless technologies used in industrial automation with different characteristics and use cases. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are the most widespread technologies in factory automation while cellular connectivity typically is used for remote monitoring and backhaul communication between plants.

The increasing popularity of Ethernet based networks in factory automation is one of the key drivers for the popularity of Wi-Fi in such applications. 802.15.4 based standards such as WirelessHART and ISA100.11a are major contenders at the field level in process automation networks. The emerging area of Low Power Wide Area Networking (LPWAN) is a promising alternative in remote monitoring applications.

The wireless IoT device market is served by a multitude of players from various backgrounds including global automation solution providers, automation equipment and solution vendors, industrial communication specialists and IoT communication specialists. Emerson, Honeywell, GE and Yokogawa are leading vendors of 802.15.4 devices in industrial automation. Siemens, Cisco, Belden, Moxa, Schneider Electric and Eaton are major vendors of Wi-Fi devices while Eaton, GE and Sierra Wireless are important vendors of cellular devices for industrial automation applications.

 

Higher levels of automation and IoT solutions enable shorter lead times, lower inventories, increased throughput as well as more flexibility and the ability to respond faster to changing customer needs.

Of course IoT is also fundamental in allowing companies to move away from the traditional break-fix model of field service delivery towards proactive pre-failure maintenance scheduling which delivers better client uptime as well as efficiency savings for the service provider.

“Wireless communication and industrial IoT solutions can provide integration of different automation systems as well as enterprise systems which enables supply chains to be lean, even with a complex mix of products and output levels” said Johan Svanberg, Senior Analyst, Berg Insight. “Connected automation solutions also open up the possibility for entirely new business and service models which can give companies a much needed competitive edge in today’s manufacturing landscape”, concluded Mr. Svanberg.

 

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Arcus FM, a leading facilities management and service provider has successfully deployed Aeromark’s Mobile Document Manager Technology and reported immediate return on investment from day one of implementation.

Document Manager, which is an add-on module for Aeromark’s Optimatics Software product, has transformed the way Arcus conform with health and safety requirements, as management teams have complete control over all documentation such as health and safety manuals, operating procedures, product manuals and more.

“Our previous paper based system was reliant on manual input from field teams, which resulted in a considerable amount of lost time in the field, as documents were not up to date or often misplaced in engineers vans. We needed a system where engineers could quickly access documents on the move and approve automatically”, said Parag Gogate, Head of Programme Management.

Aeromark’s Document Manager is designed for document libraries, accessible by skill set with full change control, allowing administrators to review, approve, modify and distribute documents to the mobile workforce via their mobile device. “This system ensures the most up to date documents are shared across the company; which results in greater efficiency, increased productivity and job satisfaction as technicians are now confident that they have read the correct document”, said Parag.

 

“We find this systematic approach to operating much easier and can effortlessly comply with business processes and health and safety requirements as we now have the ability to undertake a number of checks and if a particular technician hasn’t read a new document, they will not be allowed to proceed until they have. Furthermore this has negated the need to have printed documents and folders on technician vans resulting in cost savings and effort to get them printed and made available”, said Sam Holmes, HSQE Director.

‘‘Aeromark have been really open to working with our needs as a business and have helped us unravel ideas and concepts into workable solutions. We continue to work with them to further develop our dynamic risk assessment process which will enable us to have a solution that integrates operations and safety in a way that doesn’t hinder productivity but ensures consideration of safety is at the core of everything our people do. This can only result in safer working environment for our Colleagues and our Customers’, said Parag.

Arcus FM’s investment in Document Manager has been essential to the efficiency of their service operations which enable the company to improve the service provided to their customers and the data given to their colleagues.

 

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Xplore Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ: XPLR) has started its 20 year anniversary celebration.  Since 1996, Xplore Technologies has exclusively engineered and delivered one of the most complete lines of purpose-built rugged tablet technologies on earth...

According to VDC Research, out of all of the mobile computer original equipment manufacturers (OEM) operating today, Xplore, with a UK base in Warwickshire, is the only OEM to have focused on rugged tablets – and only rugged tablets – for 20 years.  This market focus is what has made Xplore a trusted authority in the rugged tablet space.

This unprecedented industry achievement comes on the heels of Xplore’s fifth consecutive year of market-exceeding growth.

“The fact that Xplore is still at the forefront of the turbulent rugged tablet market after 20 years of changing market conditions and a rapidly evolving tech landscape is a true testament to the strength of our company and the value that customers put on the unique mobile computing capabilities only Xplore rugged tablets can provide,” said Mark Holleran, president and COO of Xplore. “Rugged tablets are all we do, and we do it best.”

 

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Field Service News is pleased to announce the three winners of our latest research prize draw!

Congratulations to the following Field Service News readers:

• Martin Higgins,Retail Service Controller, William Hill
• Sorin Anghel, Service Detection Department Manager, Draeger Safety Romania
• Pieter Taljaard, Head of Field Service and Support, T-Systems South Africa

Our team will be in touch with these lucky three readers each of whom receives a £50 Amazon Voucher!

If you want to be included in our next research prize draw all you need to do is take a few minutes to complete our current survey on IoT, Servitization and Field Service.

The survey should take no more than a few minutes to complete and all those that complete the survey are given the opportunity to submit their details to enter into the prize draw (only applicable to Field Service Professionals, terms and conditions apply.)

If you want to take part then click the link below and complete our latest survey now!

 

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Click here to take part in our research on IoT, Servitization and Field Service and enter our latest prize draw now

 

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